York City v Plymouth: McNamara determined to get York out of a fix

The Minstermen are enduring a tough season with no victories in the last two months having seen the club slide down League Two.

Just one place separates City from the drop-zone, which is why the Bootham Crescent board have turned to McNamara.

The former Scottish international was appointed 10 days ago and has overseen defeats to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup and Barnsley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

His league bow will come today at home to leaders Plymouth Argyle, a tough assignment for a side that has taken just five points from a possible 30 but one that McNamara is relishing.

“I have been just over a week and learned so much already,” said the 42-year-old. “It was disappointing to lose the two games but I do know what I need to do to fix it.

“My first home game is something to look forward to and, hopefully, we can get that first win.

“Plymouth are doing well but if we do things properly we can improve.”

McNamara’s managerial career began at Partick, whom he had led to second place in the Scottish First Division when the chance came to take charge of Dundee United early in 2013.

A fourth and fifth place finish followed in the Premier Division but he left Tannadice in September after a poor start to the season.

In the wake of Tuesday’s Trophy exit to Barnsley, McNamara said his immediate target was to improve fitness levels of the York squad.

“It has been difficult because we have had quite a few games,” he added. “But, if we are going to play the way I want with high intensity then we need to be fit.

“I want energy and pace and when we have that we can hurt teams. Some of them haven’t played a lot of football, in fairness. The big thing for me between Saturday (at Accrington) and Tuesday was we needed to sort out the defence and I thought we did that.”

Marvin McCoy will sit out the game through suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season in midweek, while Bryn Morris is also away on international duty.

Last six games: York City LDLLLL, Plymouth Argyle WWLWWL.

Referee: R Clark (Northumberland).

Last time: York City 0 Plymouth Argyle 0; January 3, 2015; League Two.